The Statement consists of three parts:

The policy documents of the Reserve Bank provide a framework for the monetary and other relevant measures that are taken from time to time and capture the rationale or the underlying factors at work that affect its macroeconomic assessments. The documents also set out the logic, intentions and actions related to structural and prudential aspects of the financial sector. This Statement broadly follows the pattern already set in previous years. It delineates and elaborates on various areas in which RBI has been taking measures from time to time and provides a focus on broad policies that are intended to be pursued for the year 2004-05, while retaining the flexibility to take specific measures promptly and effectively as the evolving circumstances warrant.

2. The Statement consists of three parts: (I) Review of Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments during 2003-04; (II) Stance of Monetary Policy for 2004-05; and (III) Financial Sector Reforms and Monetary Policy Measures. An analytical review of macroeconomic and monetary developments is also being issued, as in the past, as a separate document providing the necessary information and technical analysis with the help of simple charts and tables.

I. Review of Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments during 2003-04

3. The annual Statement on monetary and credit policy released on April 29, 2003 projected real GDP growth for 2003-04 at about 6.0 per cent for policy purposes. Based on a review of developments since then, the Reserve Bank had scaled up its projection of GDP growth from time to time, and expected a GDP growth of 7.0 per cent with an upward bias in January 2004. The advance estimate of GDP for 2003-04 released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in February 2004 has placed the GDP growth much higher at 8.1 per cent.

4. The higher GDP growth of 8.1 per cent during 2003-04 as against 4.0 per cent in the previous year reflects a rebound in agricultural production. GDP from agriculture and allied activities is estimated to have increased by 9.1 per cent during 2003-04 as against a decline of 5.2 per cent in the previous year. The overall growth of the industrial sector at 6.6 per cent is also higher than that of 6.2 per cent in the previous year reflecting higher growth in manufacturing as well as ‘electricity, gas and water supply’. The services sector has grown by 8.2 per cent as compared with 7.2 per cent in the previous year.

5. The annual inflation rate as measured by variations in the wholesale price index (WPI), on a point-to-point basis, declined from 6.5 per cent at end-March 2003, albeit with intra-year variations, to 4.5 per cent by end-March 2004. The reduction in inflation during 2003-04 reflects lower price increase in primary articles and in the fuel group. Prices of primary articles (weight: 22.0 per cent) increased by 1.7 per cent as compared with an increase of 6.1 per cent in the previous year. Similarly, there was a lower increase of 2.7 per cent in the ‘fuel, power, light and lubricants’ group (weight: 14.2 per cent) as compared with an increase of 10.8 per cent in the previous year. On the other hand, prices of manufactured products (weight: 63.7 per cent) registered a higher increase of 6.3 per cent as compared with an increase of 5.1 per cent in the previous year.

6. Excluding ‘fuel, power, light and lubricants’ group (weight: 14.2 per cent), the annual inflation worked out to 4.9 per cent as against 5.4 per cent in the previous year. The rate of inflation, excluding food articles and the fuel group (weight: 29.6 per cent), stood at 6.0 per cent as compared with 6.6 per cent in the previous year.

7. The annual rate of inflation during 2003-04, as measured by increase in WPI on an average basis, was higher at 5.4 per cent as compared with 3.4 per cent in the previous year. Annual inflation as measured by variations in the consumer price index (CPI) for industrial workers, on a point-to-point basis, was lower at 3.5 per cent during 2003-04 as compared with 4.1 per cent in the previous year. On an average basis, inflation as reflected in CPI was also marginally lower at 3.9 per cent during 2003-04 as compared with 4.0 per cent in the previous year.

8. According to the latest available data, annual inflation based on WPI on a point-to-point basis, was lower at 4.2 per cent, as on May 1, 2004 as compared with 6.9 per cent a year ago. However, on an annual average basis, WPI inflation was higher at 5.2 per cent as compared with 3.9 per cent.

9. During 2003-04, money supply (M₃) increased by 16.4 per cent (Rs.2,81,147 crore) as compared with 12.8 per cent (Rs.1,91,177 crore) in the previous year, after adjusting for mergers. The growth in aggregate deposits of scheduled commercial banks at 17.3 per cent (Rs.2,21,078 crore) was higher than that of 13.4 per cent (Rs.1,47,822 crore) in the previous year, adjusted for mergers. The expansion in currency with the public was also higher at 16.7 per cent (Rs.45,376 crore) as compared with 12.7 per cent (Rs.30,587 crore) in the previous year. As regards the sources of change in M₃, the increase in bank credit to the commercial sector at 13.3 per cent (Rs. 1,18,986 crore) during 2003-04 was higher than the increase of 11.5 per cent (Rs. 87,897 crore), net of mergers, in 2002-03. The banking sector’s net foreign exchange assets increased by 30.9 per cent (Rs. 1,21,589 crore) on account of an increase of 35.2 per cent (Rs. 1,26,169 crore) in net foreign exchange assets of RBI. The growth in net bank credit to government was, however, lower at 10.0 per cent (Rs. 67,538 crore) than that of 14.4 per cent (Rs. 84,865 crore) in the preceding year. This is attributable to the substantial decline [by Rs.75,772 crore (Rs. 31,499 crore during 2002-03)] in the net RBI credit to Government in the wake of substantial open market operations (OMO) undertaken by RBI to sterilise the impact of large forex inflows.

10. The year-on-year M₃ growth, according to the latest available data, was 16.1 per cent by end-April 2004, as compared with 11.8 per cent a year ago. Aggregate deposits of scheduled commercial banks increased by 17.1 per cent as compared with 12.2 per cent. Currency with the public increased by 15.9 per cent as compared with 11.4 per cent.

11. The increase in reserve money during 2003-04 at 18.3 per cent (Rs.67,368 crore) was higher than that of 9.2 per cent (Rs.31,091 crore) in the previous year. As regards the components of reserve money, currency in circulation rose by 15.8 per cent (Rs.44,550 crore) as compared with 12.6 per cent (Rs.31,499 crore) in the previous year. The year-on-year growth in reserve money at 13.2 per cent and in bankers’ deposits with RBI at 3.3 per cent on the last Friday of 2003-04 (March 26, 2004) were broadly reflective of the trend in these variables. As regards the sources of reserve money, RBI’s foreign currency assets (adjusted for revaluation) increased by Rs.1,41,428 crore on top of an increase of Rs.82,089 crore in the previous year. The expansionary impact of foreign currency assets, however, was neutralised to a large extent by substantial OMO including sustained repo operations under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF). Consequently, the net RBI credit to the Central Government declined by 67.3 per cent (Rs.76,065 crore) on top of a decline of 20.1 per cent (Rs.28,399 crore) in the previous year. RBI’s credit to banks and commercial sector also declined by Rs.2,728 crore due to comfortable market liquidity as compared with a decline of Rs.6,468 crore in the previous year. The ratio of net foreign assets (NFA) to currency rose from 126.8 per cent at end-March 2003 to 148.1 per cent by end-March 2004 reflecting large accretion to reserves.

12. According to the latest data, year-on-year increase in reserve money was 13.3 per cent, as on May 7, 2004 as compared with 8.9 per cent a year ago.

13. Scheduled commercial banks’ credit recorded an increase of 14.6 per cent (Rs.1,06,167 crore) during 2003-04 as compared with 16.1 per cent (Rs.94,949 crore), net of mergers, in the previous year. However, food credit declined by Rs.13,518 crore compared with a decline of Rs.4,499 crore in the previous year on account of the higher off-take of foodgrains. The buffer stock of foodgrains declined from 32.8 million tonnes at end-March 2003 to 20.7 million tonnes (up to April 1, 2004).

14. According to the latest data, year-on-year increase in bank credit was 18.2 per cent by end-April 2004 as compared with 13.8 per cent a year ago.

15. Non-food credit increased by 17.6 per cent (Rs.1,19,685 crore) during 2003-04 as compared with 18.6 per cent (Rs.99,448 crore), net of mergers, in the previous year. The year began with a slack in credit off-take that persisted during the first five months. Credit expansion in the subsequent months has been quite vigorous. While the growth in non-food credit was led by the housing and retail sectors, industrial credit picked up from September 2003. A significant feature of credit growth has been the substantial flow of bank credit to the priority sector which showed an increase of Rs. 52,279 crore or about 25 per cent. Bank credit for both housing and infrastructure increased by about 42 per cent each.

16. According to the latest available data, the year-on-year increase in non-food bank credit was 20.5 per cent by end-April 2004 as compared with 16.4 per cent a year ago.

17. The total flow of funds from the scheduled commercial banks to the commercial sector including banks’ investment in bonds/debentures/shares of public sector undertakings and private corporate sector, commercial paper etc., increased by 15.1 per cent (Rs.1,17,008 crore) as against 17.9 per cent (Rs.1,10,501 crore), net of mergers, in the previous year. The total flow of resources to the commercial sector including capital issues, American Depository Receipts (ADRs)/Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) and borrowings from financial institutions was higher at Rs.1,73,789 crore as compared with Rs.1,33,631 crore in the previous year.

18. The growth in industrial credit had declined during April-August 2003 but there has been a distinct improvement since then. Expansion in industrial credit was higher by about 32 per cent during September-March as compared with that during the corresponding period of the preceding year. During 2003-04, there has been a substantial increase in credit flow to the infrastructure industries, viz., roads and ports, power and telecommunications. There has also been a discernible increase in credit flow to industries like electricity, drugs and pharmaceuticals, food processing and computer software. The traditionally important industries like cotton textile, jute textile, gems and jewellery, paper and paper products, tea and construction have, in particular, also witnessed higher credit flows. On the other hand, industries like petroleum, cement and iron and steel witnessed significant decline in bank credit.

19. The Central Government revised the net market borrowings downwards in the Interim Budget to Rs.82,982 crore (gross Rs.1,44,491 crore) as against the originally budgeted net borrowings of Rs.1,07,194 crore (gross Rs.1,66,230 crore). The actual net borrowings by Central Government during 2003-04 were Rs.88,816 crore (gross Rs.1,47,636 crore). The state governments’ net borrowings were Rs.46,376 crore (gross Rs.50,521 crore). During 2003-04, the combined net market borrowings of the Centre and States were Rs.1,35,192 crore (gross Rs.1,98,157 crore).

20. The weighted average cost of Central Government borrowings through primary issuance of dated securities declined by 163 basis points from 7.34 per cent in 2002-03 to 5.71 per cent during 2003-04. The weighted average maturity of dated securities issued during 2003-04 at 14.94 years was higher as compared to 13.83 years in the previous year.

21. During 2003-04, the state governments’ net market borrowings at Rs.46,376 crore were significantly higher than in the previous year (Rs.30,933 crore) mainly on account of Rs.26,623 crore towards the debt swap scheme mutually agreed between the Central Government and state governments towards repayment of high cost debt of the States to the Centre.

22. The persistence of a large government borrowing programme has implications for efficient monetary and debt management. The banking system already holds government securities to the extent of 41.5 per cent of its net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) as against the statutory minimum requirement of 25 per cent. In terms of volume, such holdings above the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) amounted to Rs.2,69,777 crore which is much higher than the annual gross borrowings of the Government. Such large holdings of government securities by banks entail significant interest rate risk as the yields on government securities are already at their historically low levels. It is, therefore, essential to pursue fiscal consolidation, promptly and with resolve, from a medium-term perspective. The fiscal deficit of the Central Government for 2003-04 was revised to Rs.1,32,103 crore as against the budget estimate of Rs.1,53,637 crore. All key deficit indicators are placed lower than their corresponding budgeted levels. The aim is to achieve a balance in the revenue account by 2007-08, as envisaged in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBMA), 2003.

23. The reduction in fiscal deficit in 2003-04 has occurred due to revenue buoyancy, containment of revenue expenditure, some cut-backs on capital expenditure and higher realisation of disinvestment proceeds. There is, however, a paramount need to step up capital expenditure notwithstanding the outcome of the revised estimates for 2003-04 and projections for 2004-05.

24. At the shorter end of the market, the weighted average call money rate declined by 149 basis points from 5.86 per cent in March 2003 to 4.37 per cent in March 2004 and further to 4.28 per cent by mid-May 2004. Similarly, the cut-off yields on 91-day and 364-day Treasury Bills also declined by 151 and 144 basis points from 5.89 per cent each in March 2003 to 4.38 and 4.45 per cent, respectively, in March 2004. The yields on government securities with 1-year residual maturity declined by 96 basis points from 5.50 per cent to 4.54 per cent during the period. The yields on 91-day and 364-day Treasury Bills were 4.42 per cent and 4.45 per cent, respectively, as on May 12, 2004.

25. The weighted average discount rate on commercial paper (CP) (61-90 days) declined by 134 basis points from 6.53 per cent in March 2003 to 5.19 per cent in March 2004. It declined further to 5.08 per cent by mid-April 2004. An interesting development in the money market during the year has been that the volumes (one leg) in market repo have increased from a daily average of about Rs.2,000 crore in April 2003 to about Rs.4,100 crore in March 2004. The repo volume has further gone up to about Rs.5,200 crore in April 2004 and the market repo rate at 3.7 per cent was lower as compared with the overnight call money rate. Similarly, the average daily volumes in the CBLO (collateralised borrowing and lending obligation) market, a money market instrument offered by Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL), have also picked up from under Rs.40 crore in March 2003 to about Rs.2,500 crore by April 2004.

26. The yields on securities with 5-year and 10-year residual maturities declined by 114 and 106 basis points, respectively, from 5.92 and 6.21 per cent in March 2003 to 4.78 and 5.15 per cent, respectively, by March 2004. Similarly, the yields on securities with 20-year residual maturity declined by 84 basis points from 6.69 per cent in March 2003 to 5.85 per cent in March 2004. The yields on 5-year, 10-year and 20-year securities have slightly moved up to 4.87 per cent, 5.20 per cent and 5.80 per cent, respectively, by mid-May 2004.

27. With the reduction in yields being larger at the shorter end, the tenor spread in the government securities increased marginally. The spread between government securities with a residual maturity of 20-year and 1-year widened from 119 basis points in March 2003 to 131 basis points in March 2004. However, the spread between securities with residual maturity of 10-year and 1-year narrowed from 71 basis points in March 2003 to 61 basis points in March 2004. The spread between yields of 20-year and 1-year was 132 basis points, while that for 10-year and 1-year was 72 basis points by mid-May 2004.

28. In line with the trend in yields in the government securities market, the yields on corporate paper also declined. The yield on AAA-rated corporate bond declined from 6.79 per cent in March 2003 to 5.60 per cent in March 2004. Along with yields, the credit spreads narrowed slightly over the year. For example, the spread between AAA-rated corporate bonds and the yield on government securities for 5-year residual maturity narrowed from 87 basis points in March 2003 to 82 basis points in March 2004 before widening to 91 basis points by mid-May 2004.

29. The term deposit rates of public sector banks for maturities up to 1-year moved down from a range of 4.00-6.00 per cent in March 2003 to 3.75-5.25 per cent by April 2004. Similarly, the interest rates on term deposits over 1-year have declined from a range of 5.25-7.00 per cent to 5.00-5.75 per cent during the period. During 2003-04, the spread between typical deposit rates of tenor of 15-29 days and over 3-years offered by public sector banks remained unchanged at 175 basis points. Overall, there has been a considerable flattening of the term structure of deposit rates during the last three years.

30. Despite a fall in deposit rates and lowering of the cost of funds, the range of prime lending rates (PLRs) of public sector banks remained sticky. In view of the downward stickiness of PLRs, the scheme of Benchmark PLR (BPLR) was mooted in the annual policy Statement of April 2003 to address the need for transparency in banks’ lending rates as also to reduce the complexity involved in pricing of loans. For smooth implementation of the new system by banks, as announced in the mid-term Review of November 2003, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) issued a circular to its member banks outlining broad parameters to be followed by banks for the computation of BPLR. Almost all commercial banks have since announced their BPLR in place of the earlier system of tenor-linked PLR. The range of BPLR for public sector banks is lower at 10.25-11.5 per cent as compared with their earlier PLR range of 10.0-12.25 per cent. Public sector banks have reduced their rates by 25 to 100 basis points while announcing their BPLR. The compression in the range of PLRs of foreign and private sector banks is more evident, moving from a wide range of 6.75-17.5 per cent in March 2003 to 10.5-14.85 per cent by March 2004.

31. As at end-March 2004, public sector banks’ median (representative) lending rate for the demand and term loans (at which maximum business is contracted), in the range of 11.0-12.75 per cent and 11.0-13.25 per cent, respectively, exhibited some moderation as compared with their corresponding levels of 11.5-14.0 per cent and 12.0-14.0 per cent, respectively, in March 2003.

32. The movement in interest rates during 2003-04 corroborates the view that banks should, in their interest, take steps to build up investment fluctuation reserves (IFR) in a smooth and phased manner for better risk management. It may be recalled that in January 2002, RBI proposed that banks should build up IFR to a minimum of 5 per cent of their investment portfolio under the ‘held for trading’ and ‘available for sale’ categories, by transferring the gains realised on sale of investments within a period of five years. They were also advised to make adequate provisions for unforeseen contingencies in their business plans, and to fully take into account the implications of changes in the monetary and external environment on their operations. In the light of their own risk assessment, banks are free to build up higher percentage of IFR up to 10 per cent of their portfolio depending on the size and composition of their portfolio, with the concurrence of their Boards.

33. Considerable progress has been made in developing the Indian banking sector into a vibrant, sound and well-functioning system. The Reserve Bank’s persistent efforts towards strengthening of regulatory and supervisory norms to induce greater accountability and market discipline amongst the participants, adoption of international benchmarks as appropriate to Indian conditions, improvement in management practices and corporate governance, and upgradation of the technological infrastructure have enabled the banking system to emerge as a stronger, efficient and resilient system to meet global competition. There has been substantial progress in the implementation of asset-liability management and risk management systems in banks leading to efficient internal control system, improved treasury management and higher profitability. The response of the financial sector to RBI’s initiatives has been encouraging and has resulted in improved prudential banking parameters such as increased capital adequacy and declining net NPA ratios, reinforcing its stability. This has also been endorsed by international rating agencies with an upgradation in their rating. While certain changes in the legal infrastructure are yet to be effected, the developments so far have brought the Indian financial system closer to global standards.

34. The dynamics of monetary management in an increasingly open economy was clearly evident during 2003-04. Some of the key aspects are as follows: First, even when the domestic interest rates remained consistent with domestic inflation, it engendered large capital inflows in the wake of expectations over promising economic gains. Second, substantial liberalisation of capital and current account transactions further reinforced capital inflows. Third, domestic inflation reflected to a significant extent the ‘pass through’ effects of international price trends.

35. The Reserve Bank will continue to ensure that appropriate liquidity is maintained in the system so that all legitimate requirements for credit are met, consistent with the objective of price stability. Towards this end, RBI will continue with its policy of active management of liquidity through OMO including LAF, and using other policy instruments at its disposal flexibly, as and when the situation warrants. In this context, the operationalisation of Market Stabilisation Scheme (MSS) has given an additional instrument for liquidity and monetary management.

36. The global economic recovery has broadened and strengthened faster than expected last November. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest update on the world economy in April 2004, has projected world output to grow by 4.6 per cent in 2004, which is higher than the earlier projection of 4.1 per cent. During 2005, the world output growth is expected to remain robust at 4.4 per cent. The growth in volume of world trade is projected to pick up from 4.5 per cent in 2003 to 6.8 per cent in 2004. In the US, the growth momentum is expected to be sustained. Though recovery in the Euro area is slow, the growth outlook seems to be improving. Growth in the UK has been gaining ground and growth prospects in Japan, reinforced by foreign and domestic demand, have improved. In recent years, emerging markets have been major drivers of world growth.

37. Though the prospects for growth in global output and trade have distinctly brightened, several uncertainties still persist. The firmness in global oil prices, volatility among major currencies and cyclical factors arising out of a pick-up in economic activity increase the upside risks of inflation. While some central banks have started raising interest rates, such movement in rates would have an impact on the financial markets. Such changes are, however, not only difficult to forecast but also build in uncertainties, with possibilities of significant influence on capital flows to emerging markets. Apart from the possible global implications of interest rate uncertainties, the volatility among major currencies and their impact on capital flows and on the financial sector would remain the major concern for emerging economies. On balance of considerations, the expected pick-up in the global economy could contribute to the overall growth of the Indian economy and, in this regard, the efficacy of macro-policies in carefully managing the impact of global transition from low interest rates and currency imbalances to a more sustainable regime gains relevance. There is, however, no room for complacency in view of the uncertainties in the manner in which such transition will be managed by leading economies in the world. Hence, the Indian participants in financial markets, corporates and financial intermediaries are advised to be vigilant and to be well prepared with appropriate risk-mitigation measures. Incidentally, to the extent international interest rates impinge on domestic interest rates, it is also pertinent to take into account the relative term structures of interest rates.

38. During 2003-04, the Indian foreign exchange market witnessed orderly conditions despite payments of US $ 5.2 billion in October 2003 on account of redemption of Resurgent India Bonds (RIBs). The exchange rate of the rupee which was at Rs.47.50 per US dollar in March 2003 appreciated by 9.5 per cent to Rs.43.39 per US dollar by March 2004, but depreciated by 3.1 per cent against the Euro, 5.9 per cent against Pound sterling and 4.4 per cent against Japanese yen during the period.

39. India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by US $ 37.6 billion from US $ 75.4 billion at end-March 2003 to US $ 113.0 billion by end-March 2004. The foreign currency assets rose by US $ 35.5 billion from US $ 71.9 billion to US $ 107.4 billion during the same period. During the year, the Reserve Bank made available foreign currency of US $ 5.2 billion to the State Bank of India (SBI) for redemption of RIBs. In addition, the Reserve Bank also made available US $ 6.8 billion to the Government for repayment of certain high cost foreign currency loans from both multilateral and bilateral sources. In these transactions, since equivalent amount of government securities were issued to the Reserve Bank on private placement basis, there was no monetary impact and the aggregate debt position of the Government also remained unchanged.

40. India’s foreign exchange reserves have increased further by US $ 5.6 billion from US $ 113.0 billion in end-March 2004 to US $ 118.6 billion by May 7, 2004.

41. In recent years, the annual policy Statements as well as mid-term Reviews have attempted to bring into sharper focus the main lessons emerging from our experience in managing the external sector during periods of external and domestic uncertainties. The broad principles that have guided exchange rate management are:

• Careful monitoring and management of exchange rates without a fixed target or a pre-announced target or a band. Flexibility in the exchange rate together with ability to intervene, if and when necessary.
• A policy to build a higher level of foreign exchange reserves which takes into account not only anticipated current account deficits but also 'liquidity at risk' arising from unanticipated capital movements.
• A judicious policy for management of the capital account.

42. As pointed out in the recent policy Statements, the overall approach to the management of India’s foreign exchange reserves has reflected the changing composition of the balance of payments and the 'liquidity risks' associated with different types of flows and other requirements. The policy for reserve management is thus judiciously built upon a host of identifiable factors and other contingencies. Taking these factors into account, India’s foreign exchange reserves continue to be comfortable and consistent with the rate of growth, the share of the external sector in the economy and the size of risk-adjusted capital flows.

43. During 2003-04, India’s exports in US dollar terms increased by 17.1 per cent as compared with 20.3 per cent in the previous year. Imports showed a higher increase of 25.3 per cent as compared with 17.0 per cent in the previous year. While the growth of oil imports was lower at 14.3 per cent as compared with 26.1 per cent in the previous year, non-oil imports showed a higher increase of 29.4 per cent as compared with 13.7 per cent in the previous year. As a result of higher imports and lower exports, the trade deficit widened to US $ 13.7 billion as compared with US $ 7.4 billion in the previous year.

44. At a further disaggregated level, non-oil imports excluding gold and silver increased by 26.2 per cent during 2003-04 (April-December) as compared with a lower increase of 19.0 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year. Import of capital goods showed an increase of 34.5 per cent comparable with a similar increase of 33.9 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting revival of investment demand. Growth in exports was largely driven by manufactured goods, particularly engineering goods, chemicals & related products, gems & jewellery and petroleum products.

45. The current account of the balance of payments, which had remained in surplus consecutively in the previous two years, showed a surplus of US $ 3.2 billion during April-December 2003. The trade deficit (on payments basis) of US $ 15.0 billion was more or less offset by private transfers of US $ 14.4 billion. In addition, there was a significant increase of US $ 17.8 billion in net capital inflows comprising mainly foreign investment (US $ 10.1 billion), NRI deposits (US $ 3.5 billion) and other capital (US $ 3.4 billion). As a result, the net accretion to foreign exchange reserves, including valuation changes, amounted to US $ 26.4 billion during April-December 2003. Going by current indications, India would register a current account surplus during 2003-04 for the third year in succession.

46. The most distinguishing feature of the external sector during 2003-04 relates to the large capital flows with its inevitable implications for the conduct of domestic monetary policy and exchange rate management. The degree of impact of such flows on domestic monetary policy, however, depends largely on the kind of exchange rate regime that the authorities follow. In a fixed exchange rate regime, excess forex inflows, resulting from current and capital account surpluses or net surpluses, would perforce need to be taken to forex reserves to maintain the desired exchange rate parity. In a fully floating exchange rate regime, the exchange rate would itself adjust according to demand and supply conditions in the foreign exchange market, and there would be no need to take such inflows into the forex reserves. In such a scenario, in the presence of heavy forex inflows, it is possible that the exchange rate may appreciate significantly, though appreciation per se may not automatically restore equilibrium in the balance of payments. While in practice, the central banks do intervene in the forex markets in all countries, there are some features in emerging markets where a more intensive approach to intervention may be warranted in the context of large inflows. In emerging markets, capital flows are often relatively more volatile. Such volatility imposes substantial risks on the market agents and for the economy as a whole. Where the exchange rate is essentially market determined, but the authorities intervene in order to contain volatility and reduce such risks, some difficult choices need to be made. First, a choice has to be made whether to intervene or not to intervene in the forex market; and second, if the choice is made to intervene, then the authorities may have to decide on the appropriate extent of such intervention.

47. While choices made depend on a number of considerations, the key issue before the monetary authority is to determine whether the capital inflows are of a permanent and sustainable nature or whether such inflows are temporary and subject to reversal. In practice, however, such determination is difficult to achieve. Since external capital flows cannot be easily predicted and can also reverse even in the presence of sound fundamentals, monetary authorities have to make choices on day-to-day exchange rate and monetary management. When the monetary authority intervenes in the foreign exchange market through purchases of foreign exchange, it injects liquidity into the system through the corresponding sales of domestic currency. Conversely, when it sells foreign exchange, domestic liquidity is absorbed from the system. Such operations in the foreign exchange market cause unanticipated expansion or contraction of base money and money supply, which may not necessarily be consistent with the prevailing monetary policy stance. The appropriate management of monetary policy may require the monetary authorities to consider offsetting the impact of such foreign exchange market intervention, partly or wholly, so as to retain the intent of monetary policy. Most techniques to offset the impact of forex inflows can be classified as either market based or non-market based. The market-based approach involves financial transactions between the central bank and the market, which leads to withdrawal or injection of liquidity, as the case may be. The non-market based approach involves the use of quantitative barriers, rules or restrictions on market activity, which attempt to keep the potential injection of liquidity outside the domestic financial system. The market-based approach aimed at neutralising part or whole of the monetary impact of foreign inflows is termed as sterilisation.

48. Conceptually distinct, but operationally overlapping steps in the sterilisation process are: (a) decision of the monetary authority to intervene by substituting foreign currency with domestic currency in case of excess capital inflows, and (b) decision to intervene further in the bond or money market to substitute domestic currency so released out of the intervention in forex market with bonds or other eligible paper. While OMO involving sale of securities constitute the commonly used instrument of sterilisation, there are several other instruments available to offset the impact of capital inflows on domestic money supply as explained below. There are, however, occasions when it is difficult to distinguish the normal liquidity management operations of a central bank from its sterilisation operations.

49. Among the other important policy responses that can be used to manage large capital inflows are:

1. Trade liberalisation: Trade liberalisation could have the effect of increasing imports leading to a higher trade and current account deficit and this would enable the economy to absorb the capital inflows. Trade liberalisation is generally irreversible and hence may not be suitable for dealing with temporary or reversible capital inflows. Furthermore, rapid trade liberalisation can also lead to additional capital inflows which may have the effect of actually making the current account deficit unsustainable in the future when such capital inflows slow down or reverse. Thus, decisions on trade liberalisation have to be based on the overall view of the economy and not just on issues related to forex inflows, although inflows may provide some comfort in terms of timing the transition to a more liberal trade regime.
2. Investment Promotion: Absorption of capital flows for growth promoting purposes can be considered through measures designed to facilitate greater investment in the economy. Implementation of such measures would be desirable to reduce the current account surplus or expand the relatively low level of current account deficit, leading to productive absorption of capital flows. Such measures would become progressively effective over a period of time.
3. Liberalisation of the Capital Account: Liberalisation of outflows under the capital account can be considered while taking advantage of the excess forex inflows, particularly, with regard to the timing for such action. The liberalisation of outflows can also have the effect of increasing inflows further, if it reinforces the positive sentiment relating to the host country.
4. Management of External Debt: Pre-payment of external debt can be used to reduce the accretion to forex reserves. Such pre-payment is attractive provided the cost differential between the domestic and external debt is adequate after taking into account the associated costs of pre-payment like penalties and other charges. Measures can also be taken to moderate the access of corporates and intermediaries to additional external debt. Such measures would generally be of the non-market variety involving reinforcement of the capital control regime.
5. Management of Non-Debt Flows: Non-debt flows consist of foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio investments. The FDI decisions are taken in a medium-term perspective, and are accorded higher priority in the hierarchy of capital flows; thus, there is very little reason to restrict FDI flows. In the case of portfolio investment flows, once such flows are permitted there are few quantitative or price instruments that are available to impede them without seriously undermining market sentiment.
6. Taxation of Inflows: Price-based measures to restrict forex inflows could include the imposition of a 'Tobin' type tax. Such a tax has rarely been practised as it is too blunt an instrument to be used for discouraging forex inflows. It does not distinguish between the different types of flows or transactions, whether permanent or temporary, debt or non-debt, long-term or short-term, or between export receipts or import payments. Furthermore, to be effective, 'Tobin' type taxes have to be implemented across countries; otherwise, there may be opportunities for circumvention. Moreover, a 'Tobin' type tax is of limited use where forex inflows are largely related to underlying transactions, as is the case in India.
7. Use of Foreign Exchange Reserves: As foreign exchange reserves rise, it is often suggested that such reserves can be used for 'productive' domestic activities through on-lending in foreign currencies to residents. If the reserves are used in such a fashion domestically, they are not then available as forex reserves. Furthermore, if the use of such reserves were through domestic credit provision for rupee expenditure, the forex resources so used would again end up in the forex reserves. Such an action would be equivalent to not on-lending the foreign exchange resources in the first place. If the reserves are on-lent for overseas operations, this could lead to encumbrance on the reserves and once again they would not be characterised as reserves. Considerations of safety and liquidity that are essential for forex reserves would also be compromised if forex reserves were used in such a fashion.

50. The recent movement of the exchange rate of the rupee has drawn attention to the external competitiveness of the economy and hence, a reference to the real effective exchange rate (REER) is appropriate. Briefly stated, REER has no relevance for day-to-day operations of RBI, but cannot be ignored when considered in the medium to longer term. As mentioned in the mid-term Review of October 1998, 'the estimation of REER raises several methodological issues, e.g., the choice of a basket of currencies, the choice of the base period, the choice of trade-based weights, and the choice of a price index'. While REER may not be an adequate guide for exchange rate movements in the short-run, as explained by my predecessor, Dr. Bimal Jalan, 'the long-run competitiveness of an economy needs to be measured in relation to a multiple currency basket, and in relation to major trading partners over a reasonably long period of time'.

51. The annual policy Statements and mid-term Reviews of RBI continue to express concern over unhedged foreign currency borrowings by corporates which could impact their overall financial status leading to instability in the financial system under severe uncertainties. In this context, the mid-term Review of October 2001 stressed the importance of banks’ monitoring of large unhedged foreign currency exposures of corporates. Despite such exhortations, it was observed that hedging of such exposures was not ensured by banks. In the mid-term Review of November 2003, banks were advised to adopt a policy which explicitly recognises and takes account of risks arising out of foreign exposures of their clients. Accordingly, banks were advised that all foreign currency loans above US $ 10 million or such lower limits as may be deemed appropriate vis-à-vis the banks’ portfolio of such exposures could be extended by them on the basis of a well laid out policy of their Boards except in cases of export finance and loans extended for meeting forex expenditure. Banks should, therefore, ensure hedging of significant but avoidable risks to corporate balance sheets on account of their forex exposures which might also possibly impact the quality of banks’ assets.

52. In sum, from an overall policy perspective and a qualitative assessment of major developments during 2003-04, some of the areas that need to be kept in view for the year 2004-05 could be as follows:

1. It is necessary to recognise that growth in GDP during 2003-04 had both cyclical and structural elements. The cyclical elements pertain to global recovery which may continue along with a rebound in agriculture. There are several structural factors which impart robustness and resilience to the Indian economy. These include positive effects of the enabling policy environment and investment in infrastructure on competitiveness and business confidence. While services have been leading in their global reach, manufacturing industry is also showing signs of global presence. Thus, assuming normal monsoon conditions, in spite of several uncertainties, especially in the global economy, and unless there are totally unanticipated shocks, there are reasons to expect that in terms of growth in GDP in 2004-05, India will continue to be among the top performers globally.
2. In regard to prices, there is an overhang of problems on account of oil prices and large domestic liquidity, partly reflecting global liquidity. However, in view of India’s proven resilience to shocks, reasonable levels of food stocks coupled with prospects for a good monsoon, and the comfortable foreign exchange reserves, the price situation during 2004-05 is unlikely to cause concern to macro stability; but both on welfare considerations and impact on inflationary expectations, a very close watch is needed on the implications of global and other developments for India.
3. Some pick-up in credit in the later part of the year 2003-04 is a source of satisfaction and indications are that the pick-up will continue. However, there is a need for significant efforts to overcome the bottlenecks in flow of bank credit to agriculture and small & medium enterprises (SMEs). More important, a steep step-up in investment activity in infrastructure, whether in public or private sectors, would augment the prospects for credit off-take for productive sectors. While the growth in consumer credit and housing credit have contributed positively to the economy so far, the quality and the pace of such growth in future need attention.
4. The financial sector has acquired greater strength, efficiency and stability by the combined effect of competition, regulatory measures, policy environment and motivation among the banks. The performance is creditworthy in view of the absorption of overhang problems by public sector banks and tightening of prudential norms for the banks. The commercial banks are poised to reach global standards. The restructuring of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) is under way and the contemplated restructuring of rural banking sector should help the process of enhancing the quality, purposiveness and reach of banking in India.
5. During 2003-04, financial markets around the world were on the upswing, with equity valuations rising in both developed countries and emerging markets. With the increase in international liquidity, the spread on emerging market debt decreased significantly. The major issue that has now arisen for 2004-05 relates to the continuing macroeconomic imbalances in the United States, and their possible consequences on the rest of the world in addition to geo-political uncertainties. These concerns include the impact on asset prices that could emerge internationally from any tightening of monetary policy that may take place in the coming months and on commodity prices, particularly oil. The Indian financial markets, on the whole, have exhibited relative stability throughout the period of financial sector reforms which have been carried out in a carefully calibrated and phased manner. On current reckoning, despite some uncertainties, there is reason to have confidence in the ability of the Indian financial markets to continue exhibiting such stability relative to other markets in emerging economies. Whereas the Reserve Bank will continue to provide a policy environment that avoids excessive and destabilising volatility as a public good, market participants are expected to take into account the portfolio risks arising from any unexpected developments and provide adequately for them.
6. The external sector has strengthened over the years. While the trade deficit has increased, the current account is in surplus largely due to remittances from non-resident Indians. The impressive increase in import of capital goods gives rise to the hope of accelerated investment activity. The level of reserves is adequate to absorb the volatility of capital flows that could arise from the global uncertainties in bond and currency markets. The outlook for the external sector does accord comfort to the conduct of public policies.

II. Stance of Monetary Policy for 2004-05

53. The overall stance of monetary policy in 2003-04 as outlined in the policy Statement of April 2003 and reiterated in the mid-term Review of November 2003 continues to be as follows:

• Provision of adequate liquidity to meet credit growth and support investment demand in the economy while continuing a vigil on movements in the price level.
• In line with the above, to continue with the present stance of preference for a soft and flexible interest rate environment within the framework of macroeconomic stability.

54. Monetary management during 2003-04 was conducted broadly in conformity with the stance of the policy set out for the year. First, in terms of macroeconomic outcome, the GDP growth rate turned out to be better than anticipated largely on account of a rebound in agricultural production. Second, while the inflation outcome was generally in line with the expectations in the policy, there were significant intra-year variations that had implications for the financial market. Third, while interest rates softened further, rates at the longer-end had firmed up slightly during the later part of the year. Fourth, though non-food credit growth was subdued at the beginning of the year, it picked up subsequently. Fifth, the deposit growth and money supply growth were higher than the projections made at the beginning of the year. Sixth, the money and government securities markets have been, by and large, stable. Seventh, the movements in exchange rate continue to be orderly despite sharp depreciation of the US dollar vis-à-vis other major currencies. Eighth, there was a relatively large increase in foreign exchange reserves reflecting sustained capital inflow and an upgradation of sovereign ratings. Ninth, the domestic business outlook continues to remain buoyant. Notwithstanding the favourable outcomes, monetary management faced severe challenges in maintaining stable liquidity conditions and in reining in inflationary expectations, which were successfully met.

55. The overall assessment of the developments during 2003-04 and the outlook for 2004-05, on a qualitative basis, provide grounds for optimism. First, in terms of growth of GDP, India may continue to be among the top performers globally. Second, the price situation is unlikely to cause concern to macro stability, though a very close watch is warranted. Third, credit delivery, in particular to agriculture, small & medium enterprises and infrastructure is critical to sustain growth. Fourth, the financial sector exhibits growing strength, efficiency and stability. Finally, current status of as well as the outlook for the external sector accords comfort to the conduct of public policies.

56. The stance of monetary policy will depend on several factors, and among them are: (a) prospects for the real sector, especially growth in GDP; (b) inflationary expectations; and (c) global developments.

57. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its forecast of South-West monsoon for the current year has placed the expected rainfall at 100 per cent of its long-term average. With a normal monsoon, the growth in agriculture can be assumed to be at the trend growth rate of about 3 per cent and further assuming that industry and services sectors maintain their current growth momentum, the real GDP growth during 2004-05, in the normal course, could be 6.5 per cent. If the acceleration in growth noticed during the third quarter of 2003-04 is sustained, the real GDP growth during 2004-05 could well be higher at around 7.0 per cent. For the present, for the purpose of monetary policy formulation, real GDP growth for 2004-05 may be placed in the range of 6.5 to 7.0 per cent, assuming sustained growth in the industrial sector, normal monsoon and good performance of exports. The realisation of such a rate of growth would signify a structural acceleration in growth rate of the economy.

58. Given the ‘pass through’ of international price trends to domestic inflation, the inflation rate during 2004-05 is likely to be influenced to a significant extent by international oil prices and trends in commodity prices. In addition, the lagged effect of persistence of excess liquidity on aggregate demand cannot be ignored as it could have some potential inflationary impact. In view of the current trends, assuming no significant supply shocks and appropriate management of liquidity, the inflation rate in 2004-05, on a point-to-point basis, may be placed at around 5.0 per cent.

59. As regard the global developments, recovery appears more sustainable now and there is greater resilience in emerging economies. It is essential to recognise that interest rates in major economies are likely to harden while the adjustments in currency imbalances would continue to take place. Oil prices seem to persist at the current high level though they could move sharply in either direction. The geopolitical uncertainties impacting the international oil economy do not show any signs of waning. Thus, while there are significant positive indications of economic recovery, there are noticeable uncertainties and risks that should be reckoned with while designing the stance of monetary policy. In particular, the policy should take cognisance of the prospect that a significant trade deficit would continue with accelerated exports as well as imports, while recognising that its impact on the current account will, as in the past, be compensated by the remittances from non-resident Indians. The policy should also be prepared for the persistence of large capital flows.

60. Consistent with the real growth of GDP and inflation, the projected expansion of money supply (M₃) for 2004-05 is placed at 14.0 per cent. In tune with this order of growth in M₃, increase in aggregate deposits of scheduled commercial banks is set at Rs.2,18,000 crore which is higher by 14.5 per cent over its level in the previous year. Non-food bank credit adjusted for investment in commercial paper, shares/debentures/bonds of PSUs and private corporate sector is projected to increase by 16.0-16.5 per cent. This magnitude of credit expansion is expected to meet adequately the credit needs of all the productive sectors of the economy.

61. For the year 2004-05, the interim Union Budget has placed the gross fiscal deficit at 4.4 per cent of GDP and the market borrowing programme of the Centre is budgeted at Rs.90,502 crore (net) and Rs.1,50,956 crore (gross). Taking into account the normal market borrowings of State Governments, RBI expects to conduct debt management without serious pressure on overall liquidity and interest rates within the monetary projections for 2004-05.

62. The global factors at this juncture point in two directions for India. In view of the widespread anticipation that international interest rates may rise, there may be a case for raising policy interest rates. However, such an increase may have an adverse impact on investment demand which has shown signs of pick-up after prolonged sluggishness. A case can also be made out for lowering interest rates to foster investment activity domestically in the given context of capital flows on the assessment that interest rates in large economies may not rise soon or to a significant extent and the risks of inflationary pressures do not materialise. An assessment of domestic factors, which are admittedly more relevant for India, points to stability but in the leading economies of the world, there is a greater potential for tightening rather than easing of monetary policies.

63. Monetary policy would continue to enhance the integration of various segments of the financial market, improve credit delivery system, nurture the conducive credit culture and improve the quality of financial services. There is also a need to consolidate the gains obtained in recent years from reining in inflationary expectations given the volatility in the inflation rate during 2003-04. It is important to appreciate that sustained efforts over time helped to build confidence in price stability and that inflationary expectations can turn adverse in a relatively short time if noticeable adverse movements in prices take place. While the economy has the resources and resilience to withstand supply shocks, the possible consequences of continued abundance of liquidity need to be monitored carefully. As such, the inflationary situation needs to be watched closely and there could be no room for complacency on this count.

64. In sum, according to the present assessment, barring the emergence of any adverse and unexpected developments in the various sectors of the economy and assuming that the underlying inflationary situation does not turn adverse, the overall stance of monetary policy for 2004-05 will be:

• Provision of adequate liquidity to meet credit growth and support investment and export demand in the economy while keeping a very close watch on the movements in the price level.
• Consistent with the above, while continuing with the status quo, to pursue an interest rate environment that is conducive to maintaining the momentum of growth and, macroeconomic and price stability.

III. Financial Sector Reforms and Monetary Policy Measures

65. The financial sector now operates in a more competitive environment than before and intermediates relatively large volumes of international financial flows. Simultaneously, domestic financial markets have also developed with increasing integration among the various segments. Further, there has been a large increase in cross-border trade and investment in recent years. Consequently, monetary policy formulation has become complex and, in particular, has to be alert to a possible build-up of financial imbalances and thus needs to explore ways and means of containing such shocks. In this context, the annual policy Statements as well as mid-term Reviews of RBI, continue to emphasise the structural and regulatory measures that support financial resilience and reinforce the ability of institutions to play an effective role. The main objectives of these measures have been to increase the operational effectiveness of monetary policy, redefine the regulatory role of RBI, strengthen the prudential and supervisory norms and develop the institutional infrastructure.

66. The mid-term Review of November 2003, announced several initiatives related to credit culture, credit delivery, and credit pricing, as also depositor interests. The policy, inter alia, stated: (i) in this regard, it is imperative that a conducive credit culture is nurtured among financial intermediaries, corporates and households; (ii) the fact of overall rigidity in the downward movement of lending rates as well as inadequacy in quality of service to some sections coupled with reduction in deposit rates requires introspection and immediate action on the part of all financial intermediaries; and (iii) while credible actions, particularly by the commercial banks, would be essential, innovative measures by all concerned would have to be considered in due course to ensure adequate progress in credit delivery accompanied by appropriate transparency in credit pricing.

67. As the financial sector matures and becomes more complex, the process of deregulation must continue, but in such a manner that all types of financial institutions are strengthened and financial stability of the overall system is safeguarded. As deregulation gathers force, the emphasis on regulatory practice has to shift towards effective monitoring and assurance of implementation of regulations. In order to achieve these regulatory objectives, corporate governance within financial institutions must be strengthened, and internal systems need to be developed to ensure this shift in regulatory practice. Furthermore, as financial institutions expand and grow more complex, it is also necessary to ensure that the quality of service to customers, especially the common person, is focused on and improved.

68. While the focus will continue to be on the design of measures in pursuance of the objectives mentioned above and their effective implementation, there are some areas in the financial system that would need special attention during 2004-05. First, it is necessary to articulate in a comprehensive and transparent manner the policy in regard to ownership and governance of both public and private sector banks keeping in view the special nature of banks. This will also facilitate the ongoing shift from external regulation to internal systems of controls and risk assessments. Second, from a systemic point of view, inter-relationships between activities of financial intermediaries and areas of conflict of interests need to be considered. Third, in order to protect the integrity of the financial system by reducing the likelihood of their becoming conduits for money laundering, terrorist financing and other unlawful activities and also to ensure audit trail, greater accent needs to be laid on the adoption of an effective consolidated know your customer (KYC) system, on both assets and liabilities, in all financial intermediaries regulated by RBI. At the same time, it is essential that banks do not seek intrusive details from their customers and do not resort to sharing of information regarding the customer except with the written consent of the customer. Fourth, while the stability and efficiency imparted to the large commercial banking system is universally recognised, there are some segments which warrant restructuring. The recent experience with the urban co-operative banks (UCBs) led to the enforcement of strict prudential parameters, but the issue of multiple control in this sector needs to be addressed and restructuring commenced. Similarly, issues relating to co-operative banking structures, regional rural banks (RRBs), non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and development finance institutions (DFIs) have to be considered. In particular, the regulatory and supervisory arrangements should conform to best practices, in the interests of retail depositors and integrity of the payment system. The strategies for further progress in the banking sector as a whole would thus involve restructuring in some segments, consolidation in the larger commercial banking system, enhancement of governance and of internal control systems and, above all, further deregulation accompanied by focused monitoring and effective supervision. Fifth, in the context of the strategies mentioned above, the role of the legal system assumes importance and there is a need for collaborative efforts to provide an enabling legal structure to bring about appropriate transformation in the financial sector.

69. In order to ensure timely and effective implementation of the measures, RBI has been adopting a consultative approach before introducing policy measures. The Reserve Bank, in addition to the existing channels of consultations, has instituted suitable mechanisms to deliberate upon various issues so that the benefits of financial efficiency and stability percolate to the common person and the services of the Indian financial system can be benchmarked against international best standards in a transparent manner. This section reviews the implementation of some policy measures and proposes measures in the light of progress so far and in addition, indicates measures addressing institutional improvements.

70. In the annual policy Statement of April 2003, the Bank Rate was reduced from 6.25 per cent to 6.0 per cent with effect from the close of business on April 29, 2003. On a review of the macroeconomic developments, it is considered desirable to leave the Bank Rate stable (at 6.0 per cent) at present.

71. Following the announcement in the mid-term Review of November 2003, the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) was reviewed, taking into account the recommendations of the internal group constituted for the purpose and suggestions from the market participants and experts. The revised scheme came into effect from March 29, 2004. As per the revised scheme, 7-day fixed rate repo auctions are conducted on a daily basis. It was indicated that the repo rate will be fixed by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

72. On a review of macroeconomic developments, it is considered desirable to keep the 7-day repo rate at 4.5 per cent at present. It may, however, be indicated that under the revised Scheme, RBI will continue to have the discretion to conduct overnight repo or longer term repo auctions at fixed rates or at variable rates depending on market conditions and other relevant factors. The Reserve Bank will also have the discretion to change the spread between the repo rate and the reverse repo rate as and when appropriate.

(c) Liquidity Adjustment Facility – Revised Scheme

73. Following its announcement in the mid-term Review of November 3, 2003, the 'Report of the Internal Group on Liquidity Adjustment Facility' was put in public domain on December 2, 2003 for wider dissemination and comments. Thereafter, the Report was discussed extensively with market participants and experts. Taking into account the recommendations of the Internal Group and the suggestions from the market participants and experts, the revised LAF scheme was operationalised effective March 29, 2004 through: (i) 7-day fixed rate repo conducted daily and (ii) overnight fixed rate reverse repo conducted daily, on weekdays. Further, in order to enable market participants to meet their prior commitments based on their existing operations, the 14-day repo, conducted on a fortnightly interval, is being continued with the existing features, for some time. The international usage of 'Repo' and 'Reverse Repo' terms would be adopted, but from a future date after giving market participants adequate time for system changes.

74. Considering the prevailing situation, the rate for the 7-day repo was retained by RBI at 4.50 per cent per annum. The reverse repo rate continues to be linked to the repo rate though at a lower spread of 150 basis points. Accordingly, the reverse repo rate was reduced to 6.00 per cent per annum with effect from March 29, 2004. Simultaneously, in order to rationalise the existing structure of provision of liquidity facility from RBI, the entire amount of export credit refinance to banks and liquidity support to primary dealers (PDs) was made available at a single rate, at the reverse repo rate.

75. The Internal Group had proposed introduction of a standing deposit facility (SDF) to provide more flexibility to RBI’s repo facility as also to impart a floor to the movement of call money rates. However, on a detailed examination, it has been held that RBI Act, 1934 does not permit RBI to borrow on clean basis and pay interest thereon. The Reserve Bank agrees with the proposal, but this has to await amendment to the relevant provisions of the RBI Act, 1934.

76. With regard to remuneration of eligible cash balances under CRR at its present level at the Bank Rate, the Internal Group recommended that such remuneration was not justifiable. The Group argued that 'no remuneration is appropriate to make CRR most effective'. However, considering the present situation, the Group proposed that such remuneration should be delinked from the Bank Rate and placed at a rate lower than the repo rate.

77. Following the announcement in the mid-term Review of November 2003, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) advised its member banks to announce a benchmark PLR (BPLR) taking into account (i) actual cost of funds, (ii) operating expenses and (iii) a minimum margin to cover regulatory requirement of provisioning/capital charge and profit margin, with the approval of their Boards keeping in view the operational requirements. The banks, however, have the freedom to price their loan products below or above their BPLR and offer floating rate products by using market benchmarks in a transparent manner. Almost all commercial banks have adopted the new system of BPLR and the rates are lower in the range of 25-200 basis points from their earlier PLRs.

78. While there is intense competition among banks to lend to large top-rated borrowers, other borrowers with long standing relationship with banks and good credit record do not get the benefit of lower rates. It is considered desirable that banks should align the pricing of credit to assessment of credit risk so that credit delivery and credit culture is improved. As such, risk profiling of borrowers is also required for allocation of capital under Basel II apart from being desirable from the point of view of risk management and efficient use of capital. Hence, banks may take steps for putting in place comprehensive and rigorous risk assessment of borrowers using the database available with them, as also other internal and external factors so that the pricing of credit is related to risk more appropriately.

79. It has been the endeavour of the Reserve Bank to create a conducive environment for banks to provide adequate and timely finance at reasonable rates without procedural hassles to different sectors of the economy. In continuation of several initiatives taken in this direction, some specific measures are proposed as under:

80. As indicated in the mid-term Review of November 2003, an Advisory Committee on Flow of Credit to Agriculture and Related Activities from the Banking System (Chairman: Prof.V.S. Vyas was constituted by RBI. The Committee has since submitted its interim Report covering the following areas: (i) mandatory lending to agriculture by scheduled commercial banks; (ii) expanding outreach of banks in rural areas; (iii) reducing cost of credit to agricultural borrowers; (iv) non-performing asset (NPA) norms in agricultural finance; and (v) impediments in flow of credit to disadvantaged sections. The detailed recommendations and various responses are being put in the public domain. In the meantime, some of the recommendations of the interim Report have been accepted by RBI for implementation which are as under:

146. As indicated in the mid-term Review of November 2003, the standalone version of RTGS system, after elaborate testing was put under trial run. An external group of experts evaluated the policies, procedures, accounting and technology aspects of the system during this period. The live operations of RTGS system commenced on March 26, 2004 with the participation of 4 select banks and the system has since stabilised with 25 banks. Settlements of funds for inter-bank purposes and customer-related funds transactions are now put through the system. Further, the system also provides for collateralised repo based intra-day liquidity support to its members. It is expected that most of the commercial banks would be on the RTGS system by June 2004.

147. As proposed in the mid-term Review of November 2003, an Expert Group (Chairman: Prof. A. Vaidyanathan) was constituted to guide the process of placing the publishable segment of central database management system (CDBMS) in the public domain for the convenience of researchers, analysts and other users, keeping in view RBI’s overall framework of data dissemination policy for users. The Group is expected to submit its report shortly.

148. With a view to expanding the scope of electronic funds transfer (EFT) facilities and to provide solutions for faster movement of funds for capital market related transactions, a Working Group on Electronic Funds Transfer for Capital Market consisting of representatives from SEBI, Stock Exchanges, National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and IRDA has been constituted by RBI. The Group would assess the existing EFT facilities and make recommendations for increasing its coverage to facilitate T+1 settlement for the capital market.

149. The Reserve Bank continues to monitor the implementation of the Clean Note Policy to ensure that only good quality notes are in circulation. Since the mid-term Review of November 2003, a significant development has been the fall in demand of coins as a result of which the reverse flow of coins has started. The Reserve Bank has not only been accepting the surplus coins from the public in its Issue Offices, banks have also been advised to accept coins either by counting or by weighment. Further, RBI has introduced single window services for all transactions in its Cash Department. While RBI has introduced issuance of receipts for counterfeit notes tendered across its counters, banks have also been advised to implement the same.

150. As indicated in the mid-term Review of November 2003, RBI had constituted a High Powered Committee (HPC) for operationalising an On-line Tax Accounting System (OLTAS). Under the OLTAS, collection of direct taxes by banks would be credited on-line to the government account through transmission of tax payment data from banks to Central Accounts Section (CAS) of RBI and to the Tax Information Network (TIN) of the Income Tax Department. Pilot studies of OLTAS have been conducted successfully in 14 major cities since June 2003, and such studies have since been extended to cover all authorised bank branches. On the basis of the recommendations of HPC, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has simplified the challan form used for depositing tax and revised the systems and procedures for tax collection and reporting. OLTAS is expected to be operationalised in June 2004. Further, CBDT would avail of electronic clearing scheme (ECS) facility of RBI for purposes of tax refunds up to Rs.25,000 to individual salaried taxpayers in 12 cities to begin with. This facility would be extended to other cities in due course.

Standing Committee on Procedures and Performance Audit on Public Services

151. As indicated in the mid-term Review of November 2003, a Standing Committee was constituted on Procedures and Performance Audit on Public Services (Chairman:Shri S.S.Tarapore) to undertake procedures and performance audit on public services and regulatory clearances in RBI and to co-ordinate with the Ad hoc Committees on Customer Services set up by banks.

152. The Committee has since submitted four reports relating to individuals covering: (i) foreign exchange transactions; (ii) government transactions; (iii) banking operations relating to deposit accounts and other facilities; and (iv) currency management (non-business). The main thrust of the reports has been to bring about a change in RBI’s policies and procedures in order to have ease of transactions for the common person. The Committee also emphasised that RBI should be a facilitator empowering the common person and safeguarding his rights in undertaking legitimate transactions.

153. The recommendations of the Committee on exchange control matters relating to individuals were examined by RBI and some of the suggestions have since been implemented. These include: (i) changing the name of the department from Exchange Control Department to Foreign Exchange Department and reorienting it; (ii) allowing a liberalised scheme of personal remittance up to US $ 25,000 for residents; (iii) removing the restrictive clause relating to concessionality in ESOP scheme; and (iv) advising banks to initiate measures for providing trained staff at the first point of interface in AD branches.

154. In accordance with the Committee’s recommendations on government transactions relating to individuals, RBI has initiated a number of steps to remove the deficiencies in the services provided by RBI and agency banks. The measures include: (i) increasing customer awareness of their rights; (ii) orienting banks’ staff towards better customer service; (iii) reviewing existing policies and procedures for rationalisation and simplification; and (iv) enhancing the services provided by RBI offices and agency banks in areas such as operations of the relief/savings bonds and collection of taxes. Necessary instructions have been issued to banks reinforcing the need for enhancing customer services.

155. On the basis of the recommendations of the Committee on banking operations concerning deposit accounts and other facilities relating to individuals, the following measures have been implemented by RBI: (i) introduction of drop box facility for cheques and facility for acknowledgement of cheques through regular collection counters; (ii) delivery of cheque book over the counters on request; (iii) issue of statement of accounts at monthly intervals with details of various transactions; (iv) informing the existing account holders at least one month in advance of any change in the minimum balance in savings accounts and charges for non-maintenance thereof; and (v) agreeing to the request for opening of non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts jointly with residents. Necessary instructions have been issued to banks in this regard.

156. The Reserve Bank is in agreement with the observations of the Committee on the disenfranchisement of the depositors as well as the need for thorough examination of operational procedures in the banks which are hampering settlement of claims of deceased depositors. It is proposed to advise banks to lay down a transparent and comprehensive policy setting out the rights of the depositors in general and small depositors in particular. The policy would also be required to cover all aspects of operations of deposit accounts, charges leviable and other related issues to facilitate interaction of depositors at branch levels. For settlement of claims of deceased depositors, a uniform procedure to be adopted by the banks to ease the constraints would be evolved in consultation with IBA.

157. The Committee in its Report on Currency Management: Services Relating to Individuals (Non-business), commending the progress made in implementing the Clean Note Policy of RBI including the services to the common person, recommended a more proactive role on the part of RBI and the scheduled commercial banks to further expand the customer service with quality. The Reserve Bank has accepted almost all the recommendations of the Committee, and in many cases, necessary instructions have been issued to banks.

158. A summary of recommendations contained in the first three reports together with RBI’s preliminary responses on each of the recommendations have been forwarded to banks for responses from their Ad hoc Committees constituted for the purpose. The Committee has also had meetings with nodal officers of select banks to apprise the approach adopted by it and its expectations from them. The Committee’s major recommendations in these four Reports and action taken by RBI for their implementation are being put in the public domain.

159. In order to make the process meaningful, banks are advised to associate non-officials in the Ad hoc Committees. Considering the progress made by the Ad hoc Committees constituted by banks and the need for taking appropriate action in redesigning procedures and practices, the currency of these Ad hoc Committees has been extended for a further period of six months. The Reserve Bank accords highest priority to the service of common persons. It expects that the bank Boards would take this opportunity to streamline their procedures and processes towards fulfilling customers’ expectations in terms of transparent and efficient service.

160. It was indicated in the mid-term Review of November 2003 that a draft outline of the Banking Deposits Insurance Corporation (BDIC) Bill, 2003 to replace the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) Act, 1961 was submitted for consideration of the Government. The draft Bill is being revised on the basis of suggestions from the Government. In the meanwhile, DICGC has reviewed certain operational aspects such as premium on deposits and verification of deposit insurance claims by chartered accountants for disposal of the claims. The credit guarantee scheme of the Corporation has been discontinued as the credit institutions have gradually opted out of the scheme.

161. It was indicated in the annual policy Statement of April 2003 that the Report of the Standing Committee along with the Reports of the Advisory/Technical Groups on International Financial Standards and Codes were put in the public domain for wider dissemination. The recommendations of the Advisory/Technical Groups are being pursued by RBI, SEBI and IRDA relating to their respective areas. A review of the progress made so far in this direction was undertaken in order to identify areas where further action could be taken. The review also included recent developments in the international financial standards and codes in the areas of central bank money in payment system, risk management standards for central counterparties, foreign exchange reserves management, risk integration and risk transfer, money laundering, guidelines on KYC policy on a consolidated basis and the New Basel Capital Accord with a view to comparing Indian position vis-à-vis international standards. The review is being considered by a panel of advisers and is expected to be put in the public domain in two months.

162. The liberalisation process has progressed further in the areas of external commercial borrowings, outward foreign direct investments, inward direct and portfolio investments, facilities for residents, students pursuing higher studies abroad and simplification of procedures. A list of measures relating to current and capital accounts announced subsequent to the presentation of the mid-term Review of November 2003 is given in Annex I.

163. Rapid changes in the financial sector in the areas of consolidation/merger, developments in markets/instruments/products coupled with innovation in information technology have necessitated changes in legal infrastructure. The Reserve Bank in co-ordination with the Government has taken necessary initiatives in this direction and the progress made so far is given in Annex II.

164. As in the past, review of the annual policy Statement will be undertaken in October/November 2004. In addition to a review of macroeconomic and monetary developments, the mid-term Review will contain such other changes/measures as may be necessary in regard to policy and projections for the second half of the year.

1. Foreign banks operating in India permitted to remit net profits/surplus (net of tax) in the normal course of business arising out of their Indian operations on a quarterly basis, to their Head Offices without prior approval of RBI.
2. Issue of equity shares permitted against lump-sum fee, royalty and outstanding external commercial borrowings (ECBs) in convertible foreign currency.
3. General permission granted to foreign entities for setting up of project offices in India. These project offices are permitted to open foreign currency accounts, if required, with RBI approval.
4. Importers/exporters permitted to book forward contracts on declaration basis, based on average of the past three years’ export/import turnover or the previous year’s turnover, whichever is higher.
5. General permission granted to foreign companies to establish branch offices/units in special economic zones (SEZs) to undertake manufacturing and service activities, subject to certain conditions.
6. With effect from April 1, 2004, submission of Declaration in Form GR/SDF/ PP/SOFTEX in respect of export of goods and software of value not exceeding US dollar 25,000 or its equivalent waived for exporters.
7. Limits for direct receipt of import bills/documents by non-corporate importers raised to US dollar 100,000 or its equivalent.
8. Resident corporates and registered partnership firms permitted to invest up to 100 per cent of their net worth in overseas JV/WOS without any separate monetary ceiling, subject to reporting in form ODR.
9. Resident corporates and registered partnership firms permitted to undertake agricultural activities overseas, including purchase of land incidental to this activity either directly or through their overseas offices (i.e., other than through JV/WOS) within the overall limit available for investment overseas under the automatic route.
10. Limit of export of goods by way of gift increased from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh per annum.
11. General permission granted to Indian companies in India to grant loans in foreign currency to the employees of their branches outside India for personal purposes.
12. Indian corporates permitted to avail ECBs up to US dollar 500 million with minimum average maturity of 3 years for loans up to US dollar 20 million and minimum average maturity of 5 years for loans above US dollar 20 million. The end use for ECBs to include overseas direct investment in JV/WOS.
13. Credits for imports up to US dollar 20 million per transaction with a maturity period beyond one year and up to three years permitted only for import of capital goods.
14. Remittance of net salary of a citizen of India, who is on deputation to the office or branch of an overseas company in India, allowed for the maintenance of close relatives residing abroad.

1. Indian listed companies permitted to disinvest their investment in a JV/WOS abroad even in cases where such disinvestment may result in a write-off of the capital invested to the extent of 10 per cent of the previous year’s export realisation.
2. Firms in India registered under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 and having a good track record permitted to make direct investments under the automatic route outside India in an entity engaged in any bonafide business activity under the automatic route up to 100 per cent of its net worth.
3. Resident entities having overseas direct investments permitted to hedge the exchange risk arising out of such investments.
4. Authorised dealers (ADs) permitted to enter into forward/option contracts with residents who wish to hedge their overseas direct investments.
5. Multilateral Development Banks like International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), etc. which are specifically permitted by the Government to float rupee bonds in India, permitted to purchase government dated securities.
6. Authorised dealers permitted to grant rupee loans to NRIs as per policy laid down by the bank’s Board.

1. Indian students studying abroad would be treated as Non-resident Indians (NRIs). While they would be eligible for all the facilities available to non-residents under FEMA, educational and other loans availed of by students as resident in India would be allowed to continue.
2. The limit for foreign exchange remittance for miscellaneous purposes without documentation formalities has been raised from US dollar 500 to US dollar 5000.
3. Resident individuals permitted to remit up to US dollar 25,000 freely per calendar year.
4. Resident beneficiaries permitted to open and credit the proceeds of the insurance claims/maturity/surrender value settled in foreign currency to their RFC (Domestic) Account.

Annex II. Legal Reforms: Review of Developments

• The Industrial Development Bank (Transfer of Undertaking and Repeal) Bill, 2003.
• The Sick Industrial Companies (Repeal Provisions) Repeal Bill, 2001.

• Financial Companies Regulations Bill, 2000.
• Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2003.
• Banking Regulation (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, 2003.

• Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Draft Bill on Credit Information Bureau Regulation.
• Bank Deposit Insurance Corporation Bill.
• Draft Bill on Government Securities.